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Fire & Security FAQ Database

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Technical guidance only. Confirm current project requirements against the applicable standards, legislation, system documentation and site-specific fire strategy.

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How do I verify cause and effect on a fire alarm system?

Work from the site's approved cause-and-effect matrix — not from memory. Trigger each input condition (or simulate it where live release is unsafe), and confirm every mapped output: sounders, plant shutdowns, door releases, dampers, AOVs, ARC signals. Record each input-output pair as pass/fail with times. Anything that can release suppression or move plant needs isolations agreed in advance and restored afterwards, with the restoration witnessed and recorded. An unversioned or missing matrix is itself a defect worth reporting. Standards are referenced for orientation only — always confirm requirements against the current edition of the applicable standard, the site's fire strategy and manufacturer documentation.

GeneralAll systemsBS 5839-1cause and effect testing